Coronavirus Closes Disney World

For only the seventh time in its history, Walt Disney World Resort will temporarily close to the public due to the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19.

Disneyland – as well as Universal Orlando Resort – will also close at the same time.

As of now, the closure will go into effect on Sunday, March 15, after regular business hours. The parks will remain closed until the end of March. 

On March 16, Disney announced the closures will now include its hotels and Disney Springs.  They say that the closings are in the best interest of guests and Cast Members. We agree!

As this is subject to change, please stay tuned for updates.

This is unfortunate but not surprising considering the global spread of the COVID-19.

We commend Disney and Universal for erring on the side of caution and protecting its guests from any potential exposure and spread of this highly contagious and deadly virus.

In case you are wondering, this is the 7th time Walt Disney World has closed.

Looking back through Disney World’s history, when has the resort closed to the public?

September, 1999

For Hurricane Floyd

September, 2001

Both Disney World and Disneyland closed immediately after the September 11th terrorist attacks and reopened (with tighter security) the next day.

August, 2004

For Hurricane Charley

September, 2004

For Hurricane Frances

October, 2016

For Hurricane Matthew

September, 2017

For Hurricane Irma

March, 2020

For COVID-19, the coronavirus

The March 2020 closure will be Disney’s longest closure in its history.